Top six professional things to do before you graduate

April 6, 2011

Review your online profile

Everyone uses the Internet in different ways and some employ it more than others. A growing number of graduate schools and employers use the Internet to learn more about candidates. Run a search on your own name to see what they will see. Remove anything you wouldn’t want a graduate school or employer to see. To provide an alternative online presence, consider using LinkedIn, which is a professional networking site that works a little like a social networking site. Not only can you share information about yourself, but you can also search for people in different locations, companies, or professions. Once you have an account, you can connect with over 2,000 people in the CU network at http://careerservices.colorado.edu/students/linkedIn.aspx.

Visit a career counselor

CU is privileged to have a staff of professional career counselors available to help you with every aspect of your professional development. Similar services will cost you hundreds of dollars once you leave CU! Take advantage of them before you leave and for free the first year after you graduate- talk about your plans, have your resume critiqued, or just brainstorm options. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis, Monday-Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Center for Community room N352, or you can make an appointment by calling 303-492-6541.

ENGAGE YOUR NETWORK

In today’s down economy, many employers offering positions are overwhelmed by the number of applications they receive for a single posting. When they need help, they are more likely to turn to trusted colleagues for recommendations that will help them to narrow down the crowd. Make sure that your network- friends, family, parents, parents of friends, former employers, professors and peers- all know that you are hitting the job market and that you would appreciate referrals. Also be sure you use the Forever Buffs Network, an integral part of your membership in the Alumni Association.

UTILIZE CAREER SERVICES ONLINE

There are more than a thousand jobs in our system RIGHT NOW, posted exclusively for CU-Boulder students and graduates from all disciplines and in all types of industries. Take advantage of this resource as soon as possible and let us know if you need any help making the most of it.

COLLECT & STORE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Collecting letters of recommendation and other credentials becomes more difficult after you leave campus. Take a moment to ask your professors, advisors, and anyone else you are close to here at CU to write a general letter of recommendation. You can always ask for a tailored letter later, but having one on hand will be helpful in urgent situations or if that person becomes difficult to contact. Career Services has partnered with Interfolio to provide a system for graduates to use to store these and other important documents. For information visit http://careerservices.colorado.edu/public.cs?interFolio.

ATTEND A CAREER FAIR

Although most jobs are available one at a time, some companies in some specific industries like to recruit lots of CU students and graduates all at once. Rather than looking for specific majors, they are looking for students across the university who are good communicators, problem-solvers, and creative innovators. Come to a career fair and see what these companies have for you to explore. The 2011 Just in Time Hiring and Internship Fair will be April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in UMC 235 and the Glenn Miller Ballroom. For more information visit http://careerservices.colorado.edu/students/JIT.aspx.